The Giants announced late Friday that MLB Antonio Pierce will be out indefinitely after a bulging disc was discovered in Pierce's neck.
Pierce was "shocked" by the news. He practiced on Friday, but experienced discomfort afterwards and was hospitalized for tests. An MRI revealed the injury, which may threaten Pierce's season. His loss is a blow to a Giants run defense that has underachieved all year. Chase Blackburn will likely take over in the middle, with Michael Boley now healthy at weak-side linebacker.
Coach Tom Cable revealed Friday that Michael Bush will be the Raiders' starting tailback in Week 11 against Cincinnati.
Bush started Week 10 and had 119 yards on 14 carries against the Chiefs, but now faces the Bengals' No. 2 rush defense. This is a situation to avoid in fantasy leagues. Justin Fargas got the goal-line carries last Sunday and Darren McFadden's role figures to grow on a weekly basis as he continues to recover from in-season knee surgery. Bush is only a desperate flex play.
Correll Buckhalter (probable, knee) returned to Broncos practice in full Friday.
The probable tag means the Broncos consider Buckhalter "virtually certain" to be available for his normal role in the offense. However, he saw just two touches last week to Knowshon Moreno's 20 after a first-quarter fumble and may be being weeded out of the offense. Coach Josh McDaniels has shown signs all year that he wants Moreno to take over the featured back role.
Reggie Bush (questionable, knee) missed his third straight practice Friday and appears unlikely to play at Tampa Bay.
Pierre Thomas will carry the load in an ideal matchup, with Mike Bell chipping in as an early-down change of pace back. Coach Sean Payton said Bush likely wouldn't even be available for punt return duties. The Saints want to avoid a setback with Bush's knee, which he's had surgically repaired several times before. They'll likely play it safe so he's available for the stretch run.
Michael Turner (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Week 11 after missing his third straight practice Friday.
Even listing Turner as "doubtful" is generous; coach Mike Smith admits that he has no timetable for return. Turner is in danger of missing several weeks with a high ankle sprain. Jerious Norwood (hip) practiced Friday and is listed as questionable, but is unlikely to be a major threat to Jason Snelling's carries after sitting out for the last month. Snelling will start at the Giants.
Coach Andy Reid said Friday that Brian Westbrook (concussions) will miss at least the Eagles' next three games.
And he's not even a safe bet to return after that. Three weeks is the timetable concussion specialists set for Westbrook's next checkup, which may or may not involve medical clearance. LeSean McCoy has better shot at starting for the rest of the season than Westbrook does of returning in Week 14.
ESPN reports that Redskins DT Albert Haynesworth (ankle) is unlikely to play Sunday against the Cowboys.
The loss takes a massive chunk out of Washington's already sagging run defense, which has fallen to 24th in the NFL. Haynesworth (6'6/350) will be replaced by Kedric Golston (6'4/300). Overlook Marion Barber's eight-touch Week 10 and use him against the Skins. Dallas' coaching staff has made it clear this week that they'll refocus on the ground game going forward.
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